Japan + Giveway

We returned early this morning from an amazing two week family holiday to Japan. It is such an exciting country with so much to offer and we managed to fit a lot into our time there. We arranged a Japan Rail pass from Australia which made it easy for us to get around.

Some of the highlights included:

Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea

Hakone near the base of Mt Fuji, famous for its hot springs and picturesque scenery

Thanks to Stephanie and Rumi for some travel tips during our planning stage!

With regard to the shopping, there are a number of greatposts that pointed us in the right direction and made finding the stores easy. Our favourite stores were Loft, Tokyu Hands, Nomura Tailor, Okadaya, and Daiso. We also found a chain of second hand book stores in Tokyo called Book.One which had a great selection of craft/sewing books/magazines for 10-40% of the recommended retail price.

Sarah and I have bought a selection of Japanese craft supplies for our giveaway, including an origami kit to make little Japanese girls; some gift bags; trim; fabric; flex frame; and other cute supplies.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post and we will enter you into the draw. We will select a winner on Saturday 30 January.

Just before I head back to the mountain of laundry, just wanted to show you Sarah’s favourite purchases. A beautiful Kokeshi Doll

What fun you must have had. I hope you will share some of your adventures in upcoming posts for all of us who will probably never have the opportunity to travel there. I love the kokeshi doll, too!!karen

Lucky, Girls! You make me want to go back again… I love how your two favourites show the contrasts of Japan- traditional kokeshi doll vs funky modern fashion;-)Thanks for sharing your spoils with a giveaway.

Welcome home girls! Sounds like you had a wonderful time, and I really look forward to seeing all your Japanese-inspired crafting that I hope will come 😉 Sarah, I LOVE your sneakers, a great find!Now, off to check out your links!

Ohh I love the doll and the sneakers. Sounds like you and your family had a great time and got to see lots of the country.My DH and I visited Japan a couple of years ago and we would really love to go again. Our DS is going in March.Thank you for offering such a wonderful giveaway!

Welcome home! So good to have you back… And such excitement about your trip to Japan! I’ve always wanted to go there… hope to one day. :o) Can’t wait to see photos! Thank you for this very fun giveaway–such treats! Happy days settling in at home again. ((HUGS))

Wow, have always wanted to travel there, looks like a fascinating place full of contrats, glad you had a wonderful holiday can’t wait to hear snippets over the coming posts….Happy Australia Day…not too much washing and ironing now!

It’s been a few years since I’ve been and I find myself longing to get back. I miss, oddly enough, the smells the most. Such distinct smells that you hardly encounter over here. Too bad there’s such a distance between Europe and Japan…

thanks for sharing the pics! My DD wants to know when your DD grows out of those converse’s can she have them? they are so cool! I love the craft items they have in Japan, I have scoped a few websites out, but unfortunately my japanese is non existant AND the google translater, well lets just say its HYSTERICAL!

thanks for sharing the pics! My DD wants to know when your DD grows out of those converse’s can she have them? they are so cool! I love the craft items they have in Japan, I have scoped a few websites out, but unfortunately my japanese is non existant AND the google translater, well lets just say its HYSTERICAL!

I am not sure if your drawing is open to overseas readers, but I wanted to comment anyway. It sounds like you had a perfect trip – especially shopping for craft supplies! I am looking forward to seeing the projects you will not doubt be posting.(And those are the coolest Converse EVER!!!)

What a fantastic holiday.I’m so envious! I love all the craft stuff you’ve brought back and can’t wait to see what you girls create with it.I’ve never seen tape like the ones you brought back.Where in Australia can you purchase it? Barb.

japan — how exciting!! there must have been so much to see and do. all those fabrics and patterns and ideas with so little time. glad to know you made it there and back safely! please count me in your giveaway.thanks much, rita

Hello Lisa and Sarah, I enjoyed reading your posts of your recent trip to Japan… I have a small collection of Kokeshi dolls…and deep love of the Japanese culture….love to have a chance in the draw for your Giveaway…Warm Regards Lyn

It gives us immense pleasure in nominating your blog for Sunshine Blog Award. What appeals to us and inspires us most is that this blog is shared by Mom and Daughter. We love your craft projects. Wish you all the best. http://craftideasforall.blogspot.com